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The time i went to north korea (DMZ)

Written by: Amanda // Category: South Korea, Travel

You read right-North Korea.

I remember talking with a coworker while living in Portland about a ‘mysterious’ tour to visit the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. He had been there in the 80’s; not more than a month after a shooting incident happened in the JSA.  He had told me it was one the most memorable trips he had ever been on, and would go again.

I remember thinking that he must have been absolutely crazy, and there was no way I would put my life in danger just to see North Korea. I mean, who knows when some tourist would be crazy enough to run out across enemy lines and guns would be fired?

Then I moved to South Korea. I know it sounds weird, but in the year that I’ve been living here I haven’t actually heard that much about North Korea. It took three days for me to hear of their latest nuclear antics.

When I was given the invitation from my dear friend Alisha to go visit the DMZ, I couldn’t turn it down. We invited Amber as well (she was braver than I at only less than a month in Korea) and she quickly accepted the invite.

If you’re not sure what the DMZ is, don’t worry; I didn’t know either until my coworker told me. The DeMilitarized Zone is the 241 km long, 4km wide border separating the peninsula of Korea into two sides.  It was formed on July 27th, 1953 at the end of the Korean War, as part of the ceasefire agreement between the two sides. Korea is the only divided country in the world, and is technically still at war.

Korea_DMZ.svg

The DMZ was made as a buffer area between the two sides. Due to its’ name, a person would think that a ‘demilitarized’ zone would remain free from arms, but the truth is quite the opposite. The DMZ is known as one of the most heavily armed areas in the world.

If you look at the picture above, you’ll also notice four tunnels indicated on the map. These are four infiltration tunnels dug by North Korea to stage sneak attacks into heavily populated areas like Seoul. They were found at various times over the years: 1974, 75, 78, and 90. No one really knows how many more tunnels still may be out there.

Not included on the map is one of the most important areas in the DMZ: the Joint Security Area (JSA). In this area, diplomatic meetings take place (closely monitored by neutral countries such as Switzerland and Sweden) between the two Korean countries.

Now after knowing a little about the DMZ, I can tell you it was truly one of the most fascinating, strange, and scariest places I have ever been. My friend Alisha asked our tour guide (a US Army Lieutenant) why tours were allowed in such a top secret, heavily armed, delicate area. The answer was basically, “I don’t know.” It did seem rather strange that such a place would allow visitors.

We were strictly warned not to take pictures unless permitted by the guide. Why? Due to modern technology, the North Koreans could get ahold of our pictures on the internet of the SK side of the DMZ and use it for infiltration plans. We were shown where mine fields were, tank barriers, lookout points…etc. I completely understand the reasoning why behind the photo ban, it just sucked not to be able to take photos of one of the coolest military areas I’d ever seen.

Please enjoy the images of the things I could take pictures of. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I would highly suggest this tour if you ever come to visit.

Our first stop was the Dora Observatory, where were were able to get a very scenic view of the DMZ area, as well as the mountains of North Korea. It was gorgeous.

DMZ

We were able to use the ‘binoculars’ to look down into the DMZ and into NK, but we weren’t allowed to take photos near the front of the observatory. There was a small box at the back of the deck to take photos, so if you were tall enough, you could maybe capture more of the valley area instead of just the mountain peaks. Here I am with North Korea in sight! Gorgeous mountains…in which hold gigantic arsenals of military artillery and weapons.

DMZ2

A couple of the Republic of Korea military vehicles.

DMZ3

And of course, a Buddhist shrine right outside the observatory.

DMZ4

Our second stop of the day was at the Third Tunnel. As mentioned above (and located on the map), this tunnel was designed by North Korea for a surprise attack on Seoul. It’s approximately 1,600 meters long and at the most, 1.95 meters high (that’s as tall as Derik). An entire military division, with weapons, has the ability to move through the tunnel in less than an hour.

We weren’t allowed to take any pictures inside the tunnel, but they had sweet monuments and statues outside that we were able to snap pics of!

DMZ00DMZ5 DMZ6

I already mentioned that the tunnel was approx. 1.95 meters tall. The area we went into was much shorter, and we spent most of the time walking hunched over. We were grateful for the hard hats, because the interior of the tunnel was completely rock.

photo

The third stop on our tour was Dorasan Station. This railroad station is the closest one to North Korea. It was actually open and running in 2007, where materials were being taking into North Korea, to the Kaesong Industrial Region. The next year it was closed by the Northern government. Ideally this railroad would have been able to connect South Korea to  the Trans-Siberian Railway, making travel and trade easy.

After Dorasan was shut down, it was opened up as a tourist destination for the DMZ tour.

DMZ7 DMZ8 DMZ12 DMZ14 DMZ10 DMZ11 DMZ13

A little over halfway into our tour, we stopped for lunch. Alisha and I went with the bibimbap, a traditional veggie dish made with rice, seaweed, kimchi, bean sprouts, lettuce, and an egg. Amber went with the yummy bulgogi dish. Bulgogi is one of Korea’s most famous dishes, made of meat and sweet sauce. It looked and smelled delicious!

DMZ15

After lunch we visited Imjangak Park, and Freedom Bridge. The park was built to comfort those who were unable to return to their homes, families, and friends because of the division in Korea. Ribbons, banners, and flags litter the barriers to serve as a memorial to all who were separated from what they love because of the war. The place has a sad background, yet for some reason, it had a carnival-type feel…complete with a mini amusement park.

Freedom Bridge does actually lead to North Korea, and was used by the POWs to enter into the safety of the South after being set free from the brutal North. It’s long since been barricaded off. The bridge was actually an old railroad bridge. Imjangak park actually has an old train that was caught in the crossfire at the start of the war.

DMZ20

DMZ16 DMZ19 DMZ18 DMZ17

The windmills are placed as a hope for wanted peace between the divided neighbors.

DMZ22 DMZ23

The JSA (Joint Security Area) was the fifth and final point of the tour. It was also the part of the tour that we were accompanied by a US Army Lieutenant. It was refreshing to see a member of the military from my ‘home.’ Made me feel slightly safer as we entered the area inhabited by the South AND the North.

DMZ24

This picture is looking directly at the North Korean side. We were taken outside into the ‘courtyard’ and single-filed in a straight line across the top of the steps, facing North Korea. It felt weird…I’m not gonna lie. We were strictly told to only take pictures toward this building, absolutely no gestures or body language could be used during the time that we were standing here.

The creepy part, after it being pointed out by our Lieutenant, was that in the far left window (second floor) of the NK building, a soldier was constantly snapping photos of us with his huge camera. There was also a guard situated at the entrance of the building, never averting his gaze from us. You can also see in this picture several other curtains in the upper windows slightly cracked open. Who knows how many other soldiers were checking us out. Creepy.

The soldiers directly in front of us are the ROK soldiers. They’re basically the South Korean Special Forces. Not once did they move, make noise, or even twitch a finger.

The blue building to your left is the MAC Conference Room. The military meetings between the two sides are held here. The cool thing? We were able to tour it!

DMZ25

Inside the MAC Conference Room, the border line between the North and South is signified by the microphones laid out on the table. So while I was talking this picture, I was standing in both South Korea and North Korea! I did go into North Korea for about three minutes to try to take a picture of the ROK soldier that was guarding the door to the Northern exit of the building. It was pretty sweet…and now I can say that I’ve officially been to North Korea!

DMZ26

We then hopped on a bus and toured the area outside the JSA. We saw mine fields, the areas where small skirmishes were fought, and the Bridge of No Return.

In 1953 after the Armistice Agreement, the two sides exchanged prisoners of war. The South gave the prisoners a choice to voluntarily go back to North Korea if they wanted to, or to stay in the South. If they decided to go, they were not allowed to ever return. This is why the bridge is called the Bridge of No Return.

DMZ27

At the end of the day, we were able to go into a DMZ gift shop. This shop was special because of it’s proximity to the JSA…North Korean items were sold. How they received the items to sell? I’m not sure. They had wines, liquor, games, pictures, and North Korean won. I took the opportunity to buy a set of the overpriced money, because I figured I wouldn’t ever get a chance to again. It’s not every day that you can say you have a North Korean bill!

photo-1Our tour of the DMZ is not one I’ll forget anytime soon. It was educational and informative, yet humbling. I take my American freedom for granted…yet right next door to me now is a country where it’s citizens will never get to experience the world as everyone else knows it.  I’ve found a new fascination with North Korea. If you’re ever interested to see what it’s like inside North Korea, check out these videos. Shane Smith, the creator did a fantastic job making them, and gives enough history and information so you’re not lost during his trip.

Part One: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24R8JObNNQ4

Part Two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw46Ll-Zy4s

Part Three: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HJj85K_7MQ

 

​

Welcome to Living in Another Language! Thanks for dropping by. We’re Derik and Amanda, a couple with a permanent case of wanderlust. Follow along with us as we travel the world. Read more about us HERE.

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      • Things i wish i had known...
      • Breakfast in seosan
      • Lately [4]
      • Hakdong (pebble) beach
    • ►April
      • Why would i say that?
      • Recipes: fish tacos
      • Lately [3]
      • Would you like to know?
      • Weird Wednesday (4/23)
      • Friend connect bloghop
      • .org vs .com and how I almost lost it
      • Cocoppa: an ocd iphone lover's dream
      • Lately [2]
      • The candid series: busan
      • For every woman
      • DIY Lip Balm
      • Lately
      • Of 'Weird Wednesdays' and liebster awards
      • Recipes: boneless bbq chicken
      • Shopping habits
      • Out with the old...
      • I'm attracted to attractions
      • Preparing for war
      • Recipes: cheddar garlic biscuits
      • The purple mountain (Mt. Daegeumsan)
    • ►March
      • Weird Wednesday (03/27)
      • Osaka aquarium kaiyukan (part two)
      • The dentist.
      • I don't use shampoo
      • Weekly photo challenge: my korean happy meal
      • Fireworks + friends = epic
      • Thirty-three reasons why I love my job.
      • Japan: land of the rising sun
      • So...you want to be an ESL teacher?
      • Weird Wednesday (03/06)
    • ►February
      • Bored on a thursday night?
      • Osaka aquarium kaiyukan (part one)
      • The time i went to north korea (DMZ)
      • Weekly photo challenge: forward
      • A trip to the bamboo forest
      • Year one
      • Be mine
      • French press lattes
      • Weird Wednesday (02/13)
      • The bet we made with the boys
      • [Vietnam] last day in paradise
      • [Vietnam] $10 dollar scooters and free spray tans
      • Weekly Photo Challenge: Unique (Dr. Seuss)
    • ►January
      • Weird Wednesday (01/30)
      • I practice my hobbies on saturdays...
      • Weird Wednesday (01/23)
      • [Vietnam] the time i ate sea urchin
      • The candid series: farmer's market
      • [Vietnam] landing in paradise
      • Weird Wednesday (01/16)
      • 5D
      • [Vietnam] a morning in the bay
      • Weird Wednesday (01/09)
      • [Vietnam] in silent waters
      • [Vietnam] of busy streets and great food
      • Weird Wednesday (01/03)
  • ►2012
    • ►December
      • Dear santa...love, an expat.
      • Delicate
      • Bring forth the holiday cheer pt.2
      • Recipes: grandma knows best
      • I've become domesticated.
    • ►November
      • Weekend reunions
      • Bring forth the holiday cheer
      • They deserve it the most...
      • Three quarters.
      • 11/11
      • Halloween: 'korean style'
    • ►October
      • I wish I were...
      • Foreign
      • Sorry if i'm rude, i'm american.
      • Expat resources
      • As the days get colder
      • Big
      • Colors of change
      • Chuseok
      • 24
      • Top ten
      • Jasmine: not the tea or the disney princess.
      • Where do i get it? 10/4
    • ►September
      • six months plus.
      • [Bali] late night cruisin'
      • [Bali] water adventure day
    • ►August
      • Grand mirage...a piece of paradise. [bali]
      • The first of many [bali].
    • ►July
      • The dirtiest people i've ever seen
    • ►June
      • Its not always about the pictures.
      • Yeosu world expo. Basically the coolest event i've ever been to.
    • ►May
      • Seoul. It's beautiful chaos.
    • ►April
      • When did time escape me?
    • ►March
      • That BBQ Chicken...
      • Sick Days...
      • Busan
    • ►February
      • Of food and other things.
      • The Journey Over
      • The Grand Adventure
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Currently on Instagram

2020 has been a year has it not? As much as I love 2020 has been a year has it not? As much as I love social media, I found myself taking a break as the things we were all going through made social media so insignificant to me. 

In January/February I had a miscarriage. It was a horrible way to start the year, and little did I know it was just the beginning of it all. 

Even with the loss, hardship of moving back to the US in the middle of a global pandemic, and navigating our new lives here, we were given many blessings. The greatest of those was finding out I was pregnant again in March.

It’s a scary time to be pregnant right now, especially after a miscarriage, because doctors visits are very minimal. Also, Derik was never able to come to a single visit. I was terrified something would happen and I would be told bad news and have to face that alone. But God was gracious to us. 

We kept our special little secret to ourselves, and it wasn’t until our third trimester before we told immediate family and close friends. My pregnancy was very private for me, and a special time to bond closely with the babe growing inside me.

Our sweet little girl arrived November 30, and yes I had to deliver with a mask on, but she is perfect and I truly feel our family is complete. 💕🌈
 
“When a rainbow appears, it doesn’t mean the storm never happened or that we are not still dealing with its aftermath. It means something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of color, energy, and hope.”
I am in love. As I’m sure every other plant/mons I am in love. As I’m sure every other plant/monstera collector is when you get to behold such a beauty in real life. If there were ever #plantgoals, this is it. 

Since moving from Germany, it has been a long and slow process getting our life back to normal. All of our belongings have yet to arrive so we’ve literally been camping in our house on an air bed and camping chairs for two months. 😂 All that to say, having to start my plant collection over again here stateside has been so much fun! I will miss the plant prices if Germany, but the selection here blows my mind. Anyone else obsessed? We’ve lived here for almost 8 weeks now and I already have 11 plants 😂😬😬😬. I don’t have a bed or a couch, but by golly I have greenery. 😂🤦🏼‍♀️🌱
Oh my heart. I’ve been trying to figure out the Oh my heart.

I’ve been trying to figure out the words to say about our time in Germany, but my fingers can’t seem to type out how to express my love, gratefulness, thankfulness, sadness, and heartbreak I feel about leaving. Every country we’ve lived in has taught us something and has given us so many beautiful memories, as well as opened our eyes a little more to different cultures and ways of living.

But Germany was special. The first time we stepped foot into Germany was in 2015, and we loved it so much we stayed the extent of our travel visa (3 months). I was able to visit again in 2016, and then we officially packed everything and moved in 2017. Germany has always had my heart: the people, the festivals, the food, wine and beer, the immaculate home landscaping, and even all the rules that every resident is just expected to follow to a tee (like recycling every tiny scrap of trash). Our family grew from two to three while in Germany. Bringing our daughter into the world, and raising her for a year and a half in a different culture, will be one of the most beautiful memories of my life.

Our move was impacted by the COVID pandemic, and it took three long months of delays, red tape, and countless phone calls to get everything together so we could actually get on a plane and have our stuff packed and shipped to our new home. 
I am breathing a sigh of relief to know all the stress of everything is over and our new adventure can begin. I am mourning the loss of leaving Germany. I am in a weird transition right now trying to grasp it all, but here we are jumping into new things head first! We are back in the US for a while, in the beautiful state of Tennessee, and look forward to many new memories, travels, friends, and being able to spend time with family! 
Photos from my sweet and talented friend @juliejayphotos
I feel like I failed hard this year at Christmas m I feel like I failed hard this year at Christmas markets. We went to a total of ONE market, which is exactly 19 less than I told myself I would go to this year to make up for not going to any the year before 🤦🏼‍♀️(I was 40 weeks pregnant and not feeling crowds). I will say, it was a great one and the weather was so nice, we stayed out until the market shut down.

If there’s one thing I will miss most about Germany when it is our time to move, will be the sheer enthusiasm this country has for Christmas, and I’m not talking about consumerism. Food, laughter, friends, family, music, dancing: celebration. Also, Germany shuts down for not only one day, but THREE. Stores are closed, mail is not delivered, people aren’t out and about. Everyone is home enjoying time with family, and I love it. However, I may have gone into full blown panic mode Christmas Eve when I realized I had a total of 8 diapers to get us through until the 27th. 👀
We spent Thanksgiving back in North America: Whist We spent Thanksgiving back in North America: Whistler, Canada! A 10 hour flight from Germany , and I can’t say this one was better than the one we took over the summer on our trip to Alaska, but we survived! Entertaining a 11 month old for that long is much harder than a 6 month old, especially when they aren’t into sleeping on the plane AT ALL. 🤪

Whistler was beautiful despite the lack of snow, and we enjoyed our time with family, the delicious food, and as much sightseeing as one could do with a jet-lagged baby. 
This was actually my first trip to Canada ever, (unless you want to count the move my parents took up to Alaska from Arkansas when I was two. 😂🤷‍♀️ ) and I loved it! We would really like to take a big Canadian road trip someday and explore more of the country! 😍😍🇨🇦
Being a mama may mean I don’t always have time t Being a mama may mean I don’t always have time to put myself together, but I would rather spend the extra moments making special memories with our daughter that she can cherish forever. I doubt that she will look at this picture and see a tired, messy haired mama that’s barely had time to wash her face nevermind carefully apply makeup, but am hoping she will see a mama that never tires of carrying and cuddling her, or sharing new experiences with her. 💕
Oh Switzerland, you beaut.🇨🇭 We spent a coup Oh Switzerland, you beaut.🇨🇭 We spent a couple days enjoying the beautiful weather in the land of chocolate, cheese, mountains, and cows with bells 😍😍🤩. If you remember, we visited the same area  a month shy of two years ago but but the weather was quite the opposite! I’d have to say though, when you visit such a majestic and beautiful area, it doesn’t matter what the weather is, you’re going to be in awe and love it anyway!
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